Now Harriet’s forehead gently creased. “My dear boy, you can’t think we would take any issue with your marrying—Ellis or anyone else. Aside from the fact that we know you need an heir, I think Josiah would agree with me that we want you to find love and companionship, as we have.” She sent a loving glance toward her husband, which he returned.
Roman had long envied their closeness. It was now clear to him that he would never have had that with Clarissa. She’d been pushed into their marriage against her wishes, and, in truth, he’d been lured into the arrangement too. But whilst he’d hoped that affection would bloom between them, it seemed she either hadn’t given them the chance or decided it would never happen, at least for her.
“I’m very glad to have your blessing,” Roman said. “I think of you as my family too. Indeed, you’re the mother and father I always wished I’d had.”
“That makes me very happy,” Harriet said. “May I?” She held her arms out to Roman.
“Of course.” Roman embraced her, and when they parted, Josiah surprised him by embracing him too.
“I could not have asked for a better son,” Josiah said, sounding as though he had a rock stuck in his throat.
When Josiah stood back, Harriet quickly squeezed his hand before fixing on Roman once more. “Now, what are your plans?”
Josiah regarded him intently. “You wanted to speak with me about something. Is this about Ellis? Mrs. Ellis, I mean. I should not refer to her by her surname as if she’s your secretary any longer. She’s to be the Marchioness of Keele.”
Ellis was, of course, not Mrs. and revealing her as an unmarried miss might upset them, especially Harriet. Still, Roman couldn’t lie. They would soon find out who she was. Not that she was the Duchess of Henlow’s illegitimate daughter. Roman would do whatever necessary to protect that secret.
Roman grimaced as he anticipated their reaction. “Ellis is her Christian name. She is actually Miss Ellis Dangerfield, former companion to Lady Minerva, daughter of the Duke of Henlow. She is not a widow.”
Appearing discomfited, Harriet gently wrung her hands. “Did you know that?”
He nodded. “We lied to you about Ellis being a widow. It seemed prudent.”
Harriet gasped softly. “That was very dangerous to your reputations.”
Josiah eyed Roman. “It was indeed. I suppose I see now why you supported Margot and her secret courtship. You are all very lucky that your scandalous behavior wasn’t discovered and made public. For all of our sakes.”
Roman felt quite like a son being admonished by his parents. It made him surprisingly happy. “I never meant to risk anyone’s reputation. But you are right that we behaved foolishly. I’m sorry.”
“What’s done is done,” Josiah said with a slight grunt and a wave of his hand. “It’s all worked out for the best, and now we’re to have two happy marriages.”
Roman certainly hoped so. “I don’t know if Ellis will say yes, which is why I need your help. I have a plan, and you will be part of it.”
Josiah rubbed his hands together. “Let us sit and plot.” His eyes glowed with mischief.
Harriet gave Roman a reproachful look. “As long as there is no deception involved, I’m eager to assist.”
Putting his hand on his heart, Roman met Harriet’s gaze. “I promise there is no deception, just a plan to show Ellis how much I love her.”
“Then I can most heartily endorse that.” Harriet took her seat. “How can we help?”
It was now mid-afternoon, and Ellis had been reading in the library for nearly an hour. She began to think Roman wasn’t actually going to call, that she’d misunderstood Sheff’s hints.
Blinking rapidly, she flipped the pages back because she hadn’t retained anything she’d read.
Why was she even sitting here waiting when she knew what she wanted? She snapped the book closed. She didn’t need to wait on other people anymore. She was going to make her own future and might as well start now.
She stood and set the book on a table as she eagerly faced the main doorway. What would be the fastest way to reach Bolton Street? Waiting for a vehicle from the mews or walking?
Percy stepped inside, interrupting her plans. “Miss Dangerfield, you’ve a caller. Lord Keele.”
Ellis’s heart pounded. Anticipation surged through her. “Please show him in, Percy. Thank you.”
The butler turned and had barely stepped over the threshold before stopping short. “My lord, did you follow me? I see you did. Very well.” He pivoted back toward Ellis. “Here is Lord Keele.” Percy quickly took himself off.
Roman glanced behind him, then stepped into the library and immediately closed the door. He took a few steps toward her before stopping. “Aren’t you going to admonish me for closing the door?”
“I should, but I don’t want to.” The other door to the library was already closed. “Are you planning on ravishing me?” she asked.
